ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

9 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

For VOD the case for a distributor is less impressive than if they were advancing theatrical or DVD exhibition rights in certain territories with publicity.

I guess it'll come down to the specific deal terms on offer.

9 years, 5 months ago - Dan Selakovich

What Paddy said: specific terms.

I guess I'm older than I thought: aggregators are typically hired by distributors to get films into VOD places like iTunes (at least I don't think a filmmaker can go directly to iTunes, but maybe that has changed) or Netflix. I didn't know you could go to them directly.

The sad reality is that films nowadays are a "one off." Meaning that distributors really aren't interested in building a relationship with a filmmaker. So what is the distributor offering? There must be something, right? Or why consider them at all. Since a distributor works with an aggregator, their terms must be worse since their expenses are higher.

Look, if I were you, Nena, I'd go directly to a basic cable network that produces its own films for a direct sale and cash buyout. Figure out the least you would take (like double the budget), and see if you get any bites. If they can save some money by buying your film and not producing their own, and it's of similar quality, I don't know why they wouldn't. Aggregators will always be there if it doesn't work.

9 years, 5 months ago - nena eskridge

Great advice, Dan. But how do you get to these cable buyers? For instance if I wanted to get to Lifetime how would i do that? I'm guessing via a lawyer or agent.

One of the newest things these days for DIY distribution is thru an aggregator. You pay them a flat fee and they connect you to the VOD platforms - no distributor involved. They require the one time fee and nothing else. of course the filmmaker is required to attract the audience but then that's true for distributors, too.

9 years, 5 months ago - Marlom Tander

How to sell, anything, to anyone.

If you can't get anywhere with google, just phone the company, head office best, and simply explain that you are trying to work out who is the best person to reach. Eventually you'll have the right name. Do all this by PHONE. You need to make a human connection. You need to show them you're investing time. You are ma,king effort, you are worthy of help,

Then you reach out to them using whatever package they want.

Remember - you are trying to reach someone whose JOB is to buy stuff from people like you. At minimum their job entails seeing what you have to offer. You need to KNOW that then buying your stuff is the best thing they can do to fulfil what their employer wants from them. You are doing them a favour by making sure they know about your movie.

Call Lifetime, and track down the buyer, and ASK THEM what they'd like you to do next. If they then say "this lawyer", fine.

Markets - cutting out all the above crap is why people love (or put up with) major markets. You can hunt people down and kill them. I mean, say "hi" and swap cards for follow up later.

9 years, 5 months ago - nena eskridge

I'll check this tactic out, Marlom, thanks! I'm thinking you need an agent for this, but I'll let you know.

9 years, 4 months ago - nena eskridge

Update: My feature, STRAY, was rejected by FilmBuff, my first choice for dist, but have received an offer from another distributer. this company doesn't offer an advance or theatrical release, but does take 33%. the difference is this company tries to license to VOD platforms rather than do revenue sharing. never heard of that but like the idea (I think). But 33% is high considering what they are offering. Keep the pearls of wisdom coming! Greatly appreciate everything you guys have to say. Oh, I did manage to get to acquisitions at Lifetime. It appears they'll take a look if I submit via my entertainment atty which I plan to do today.
Thanks again!

9 years, 4 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Sorry, Nena, I just saw this. Looks like you're making headway. Crazy that you have to go through an agent or lawyer to get to acquisitions. You used to be able to just call them up. I guess since everybody and his dog is making a movie now, they get flooded with crap. Good luck!

9 years, 4 months ago - nena eskridge

I think you're right, Dan. And I'm swimming in it! Thanks for good wished. I could use a few!